Dealing With Troubled Times Paul’s Journey Of Faith

Paul had more than his share of troubled times… While on his 2 nd missionary journey, Paul outlined what he had already encountered as a Christian: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 4:7-8; 11:23-28 “Fiery ordeals” for being a Christian. 1 Peter 4:12-16 What about us? Can we understand the troubled times Paul experienced? Have we had our own?

Yet as we read in 2 nd Corinthians of what he had experienced to that point in his life, more yet awaited him. As Paul concluded his 3 rd missionary journey, Agabus prophesied of more to come: Acts 21: Paul’s attitude? The prophecy came true: Acts 21:27ff. This begins a period of over two years in bondage in Jerusalem and Caesarea. Paul then begins his journey to Rome in Acts 27.

What was Paul’s attitude, not only on this journey to Rome, but during his entire imprisonment – even his entire life? “…for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” – Acts 27:25 The Lord made a promise to Paul. Acts 23:11 (cf. Psalms 33:11, “… the counsel of the Lord stands forever …”)

Paul: –Sure of the outcome, the destiny the results. –Unsure of the journey, the process, the challenges.

Abandoned Hope Acts 27:20, “And since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.”

What do you do when circumstances appear to offer you no hope? What do you do when you are at “wits end” (Psalms 107:27; read verses ). –“Abandoned” – to take away entirely and altogether that which surrounds or envelops a thing; to cast off (Thayer's Greek Lexicon) –“Despair was beginning to settle like a fog on all their hopes.” (Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) What would God have for you to do? Will we rely on our wisdom or God’s?

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 1.Seek wise counsel & accept exhortation – verses –Example of Rehoboam. 1 Kings 12; Proverbs 1:5; 12:15; –Must begin with God’s word. Psalms 33:11; 73:24; 19:20-21 –Whose advice do we seek? Or do we lean on our own understanding? Proverbs 3:5 –Will we listen?

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 2.Cheer up - keep your chin up – verse 22 Word for “courage” (NASB) means to be in good spirits, of good cheer. We are to be those who “rejoice always” – Philippians 4:4 Blessed vs. Happy. “Happy” is based on favorable circumstances. “Blessed” transcends circumstances. 1 Peter 3:14; James 1:12. Count your blessings!

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 3.Trust & Have Faith verses God said he would make it. (verse 24) Do we believe that “it will turn out exactly as I have been told”? (verse 25) Do we believe that God will never forsake us? (Hebrews 13:5-6) Do we believe we can “overwhelmingly conquer”? (Romans 8:37- 39) Do we believe we can do “all things”? Philippians 4:13

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 4.Be Courageous – verse 24 “Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Joshua 1:5-9 “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” Psalms 31:24

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 5.Be realistic and be ready to take action – verses We need to see situations of danger and respond accordingly. Flee when we need to flee. 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 10: Spiritually, if we’ve dug a hole, recognize that, repent, and stop digging! Need to be “doers” – James 1:22; Matthew 7:24

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 6.Don’t think only about self – verses –Need for humility. Philippians 2:1-7 –Think about our brethren. Nehemiah 4:14 –Think about the lost. John 4:35 –Look outside yourself to “admonish … encourage … and help.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 7.Get some nourishment – verse 33 We’ve got to ensure that we are being properly fed. In desperate times, certainly we need to address our physical needs. Above all else, that requires proper spiritual nourishment. 1 Timothy 4:6; 1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32; Colossians 2:7

Steps To Take In Troubled Times 8.Give thanks – verse 35 There is no more important time to give thanks than in troubled times when we don’t see the way out. “In everything give thanks” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Always giving thanks” – Ephesians 5:20 Why now?

Save Yourselves … Secured the boat – got it under control Hoisted it up – raised up a boat into ship (verse 30) Supporting cables undergirding the ship Let down the sea anchor Jettison the cargo Throw the tackle overboard Will we? Acts 2:40; Philippians 2:12 Though Paul had been told that no life would be lost (verses 22-23), he led the effort to do what they could to save themselves (cf. Acts 2:40) …

Our Salvation depends on … Seeking wise counsel Rejoicing always Having faith and trusting God Being courageous Being a doer Thinking of others Getting nourishment Being thankful